Developer to expand 501 Village

Kotis Properties has plans to expand its 501 Village shopping center near the Wal-Mart on Seaboard Street.

The first phase - consisting of 25,000 square feet of retail space - has already been built. A liquor store, dollar store, Japanese hibachi restaurant and Supercuts reside there now.

The second phase will add 30,000 square feet, said the company's president and CEO Marty Kotis.

The Myrtle Beach Community Appearance Board has already approved the plans, he said, and the next step is to apply for a building permit. Kotis hopes to break ground on the expansion project this year, he said.

Kotis said that large national retailers and small shops have been interested in leasing space there, though he declined to give names.